The Ten Commandments
Seen it?1923 | 136 min | Drama, History
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved The Ten Commandments or Jesus Christ Superstar, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 16 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1923: an older pace and style.
The first part tells the story of Moses leading the Jews from Egypt to the Promised Land, his receipt of the tablets and the worship of the golden calf. The second part shows the efficacy of the commandments in modern life through a story set in San Francisco. Two brothers, rivals for the love of Mary, also come into conflict when John discovers Dan used shoddy materials to construct a cathedral.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$4 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 65K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
The Ten Commandments
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The Robe Sunday Safe BetAnother historical drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
It's a Wonderful Life Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Saturday SpecialAnother historical drama, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Cecil B. DeMille
- Theodore RobertsMoses - The Lawgiver
- Charles De RochefortRameses - the Magnificent: Prologue
- Estelle TaylorMiriam - the Sister of Moses: Prologue
- Julia FayeThe Wife of Pharaoh
- Pat MooreThe Son of Pharaoh - Prologue
- James NeillAaron - Brother of Moses: Prologue
- Lawson ButtDathan - The Discontented
- Clarence BurtonThe Taskmaster - Prologue
- Noble JohnsonThe Bronze Man - Prologue
- Edythe ChapmanMrs. Martha McTavish